Image Credit: Alamy
Gone are the early days when a standard Netflix Original was released with a whopping 13 episodes. Today, you’re more likely to watch a quick 8-episode sprint (or even a 6-episode micro-season) in a single weekend. But is this just a matter of nostalgia, or is it a quantitative trend?
We decided to dive into the data to find out with the help of our Friends at NewonNetflix.info. Looking at the average number of episodes added per season to Netflix Originals from 2017 to 2026, the numbers don’t lie: Netflix series are undeniably getting shorter.
Our analysis examined 1,300 seasons of new scripted English-language Netflix original titles (live-action and animated) released in the US during that period, though we don’t expect much material difference in other countries, where the availability of English-language titles is largely uniform. We should note that we also combined any split-season releases (stranger things, Wednesday, Emily in Paris) in single season releases.
The slow death of a 13-episode season
Let’s return to Netflix’s first attempt at original programming. At the time, the “Netflix model” was largely built on the prestige television standard. as it shows 15-20, House of cardsand the Marvel Defenders lineup (Daring, jessica jones) led us to expect 13 episodes per season.
But as Netflix’s library exploded and the algorithms got smarter, the math began to change. It has been theorized that viewer completion rates – a major metric for deciding whether a show is renewed or canceled – decline rapidly as the season progresses. By tightening the episode count, producers cut down on “filler” episodes, budgets are kept under control, and viewers are more likely to actually finish the season. If Netflix can get a series with the same “efficiency” with fewer episodes, isn’t it wise to do so?
By 2020, the total average had fallen to 8.37 episodes. And as we look at the slate for 2026 (with the caveat that we’re only a few months in), the average season length has dropped to a record low of just 7.38 episodes.
If we use 2025 as our benchmark for the “modern” Netflix era and compare it to the peak binge era of 2018, we get a 13.2% reduction in average season length: :
- 2018 average:9.54 episodes per season
- 2025 average:8.28 episodes per season
Here’s a look at the average number of episodes added per season between 2017 and 2026, again noting we’re only a few months into the year so far:
| Year | Average Episodes Added |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 9.44 |
| 2018 | 9.54 |
| 2019 | 9.21 |
| 2020 | 8.37 |
| 2021 | 8.78 |
| 2022 | 8.65 |
| 2023 | 9.11 |
| 2024 | 8.13 |
| 2025 | 8.28 |
| 2026* | 7.38 |
Are returning shows decreasing?
Image Credit: Netflix
We’re documenting several of Netflix’s high-profile hits that are dropping in episode numbers, like the upcoming season of Ransom Valley And 3 physical problemsBut has that trend affected all returning shows? There is a shortage, but not that much.
| Year | Average Episodes Added (Season 2+ only) |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 9.75 |
| 2018 | 10.02 |
| 2019 | 8.89 |
| 2020 | 8.84 |
| 2021 | 8.78 |
| 2022 | 8.35 |
| 2023 | 9.17 |
| 2024 | 7.83 |
| 2025 | 8.08 |
| 2026 | 7.58 |
The limited series has remained mostly stable
We also have to take into account Netflix’s love affair with limited series. as it shows queen’s stake, DemonAnd fool me once have been massive historic hits for the streamer.
Since they are designed to be used as a single, closed-ended story, limited series naturally tend to be a bit shorter. According to our data, the average limited series since 2018 has consistently been between 6 and 8 episodes.
| Year | Average Episodes Added (Limited Series) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 6.50 |
| 2019 | 6.60 |
| 2020 | 6.20 |
| 2021 | 8.00 |
| 2022 | 6.08 |
| 2023 | 6.89 |
| 2024 | 7.31 |
| 2025 | 6.07 |
| 2026 | 7.33 |
What do you think about Netflix reducing the length of seasons? Do you miss the 13-episode format that Netflix introduced, or do you prefer the shorter, meaner 8-episode format? Let us know in the comments below!